Time to Move On? Or Just Move Through?

In my 20s, I was a stand-up comic. Discovering that I could get up on stage and make people laugh, felt like being in sync with the universe. I was a talented beginner, which was a gift because without having to do much, I was pretty good. I worked at the Comedy Store and the Improv, in both LA and New York. I even appeared in a low-rent, syndicated TV pilot (which never went to series) called "The Comedians". I had a tight 15 minutes and I felt like I had it made. 

Then the rubber met the road. It became clear that if I wanted to rise above "talented beginner" I would have to put in my 10,000 hours — traveling across the country, doing low-paying one night gigs, staying at shitty motels and basically being treated like... shit (which is par for the course for any stand up, it’s how you build and perfect your act). But I realized I wasn't willing to put in the time or work; I just wanted to be good, without having to do all the other stuff. So I quit.  

I moved to the other side of the desk and became a development executive. Ultimately, it was the right place for me, but for several years after I made the move, I felt remorse and even shame. I felt like I'd let myself and my dream of being a stand-up comedian down, because I wasn't prepared to put in the effort. Don’t get me wrong, I've had a fabulous career and I couldn't be prouder of the work I've done as an exec and program director, but from time to time, I still feel a tiny bit of regret.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have buckled down, stayed at Motel 6’s, worked out my act in sketchy bars in Cincinnati, and just plain put in the work. But hindsight is 20-20. Sometimes when you hit a ‘hard part’ in your career it can be difficult to tell if it feels, “hard” because you’re in a career that isn’t for you; or if it feels hard because hard work is just part of the process.

I see it with screenwriters all the time. Whether it's newbie writers who are super talented out of the gate but need to put in more work to rise above "talented beginner”, or writers who have been in the game for a while and hit a significant career hurdle they need to overcome to level up.

When the going gets tough in your screenwriting career, how can you tell if you need to put in more work and push through, or maybe pivot to a new career path? Here are 3 questions to ask yourself to help you decide:

1. Why are you a screenwriter?

What drives you to write? Is it the actual writing itself — that burning desire to affect people through storytelling? Or are you driven by the “idea” of being a screenwriter — living in Los Angeles, working on studio lots, spending your nights schmoozing with Hollywood players?

If it’s the later — this is probably not the career for you. Don't get me wrong, living in LA, working at studios, and meeting Hollywood heavy-weights can absolutely be part of a screenwriting career. But most of the day to day isn’t that. It’s a lot of hard work, just like any job. Except you also have to be really creative to do it well.

So, when you take the Hollywood romance out of it, is screenwriting still something you absolutely need to do?

2. Are you prepared for the hard work screenwriting requires?

At times screenwriting is joyous, exhilarating, and downright wonderful. But those moments can sometimes feel few and far between: It can take 5-10 years before you see your first contract, rejection is part of the game, and periods of unemployment are the norm (even for the most seasoned vet).

Even when you do get hired or sell a script, you’re met with a whole new set of challenges: stressful deadlines, extensive script notes, even the stuff that should be fun — like creating narrative twists and writing action sequences — is often really hard.

I’m not saying this to be discouraging, I’m saying if you want the “rewards” of a screenwriting career you have to be prepared for the work those rewards require.

3. Is there a different Hollywood career that’s calling your name?

A lot of people come to Hollywood with the goal of pursuing one creative career, only to eventually land in another. Do you love movies, but feel like screenwriting doesn’t give you enough creative control? Maybe directing or producing is calling your name. Do you love giving notes on scripts more than you actually like writing them? Maybe you’re better suited for a job on the other side of the desk, like working in development or management?

If you realize you want to pursue a different career, it doesn’t mean you’re a ‘failed writer’. It means you’re smart enough to know when your heart isn’t in it anymore and courageous enough to do something about it.

So, should you quit screenwriting or double down?

No one can answer that question but you.

But I will say, if screenwriting makes you feel, ‘in sync with the universe’ in the same way I felt about stand-up comedy. Don’t give up. Instead, buckle down, roll up your sleeves, and put in your 10,000 hours. Being a professional screenwriter is a tough career, but it’s also one of the best jobs in the world.

How do you keep going when screenwriting gets tough? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.